Mrs. Keap was pacing the porch as the others came up, and called
Speed aside; then, when they were alone, broke out, with blazing
eyes:
"You said you had stopped him!"
"And I thought I had. I did my best."
"But he's coming! He'll be here any minute!"
"I suppose he learned you were here." Wally laughed.
"Then you must have told him."
"No, I didn't."
"Mr. Speed"--Roberta's cheeks were pallid and her voice trembled
--"you--didn't--send that telegram--at all."
"Oh, but I did."
"You wanted him to get here in time to run in your place. I see
it all now. You arranged it very cleverly, but you will pay the
penalty."
"You surely won't tell Helen?"
"This minute! You wretched, deceitful man!"
Before he could say more, from the front of the house came the
rattle of wheels, a loud "Whoa!" then Jean's voice, crying:
"Culver! Culver!" while Mrs. Keap clutched at her bosom and
moaned.
Her companion bolted into the house and down the hall, shouting
the name of his room-mate. Out through the front door he dashed
headlong, in time to behold Fresno and the two girls assisting
the new arrival toward the veranda.
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